Profile Summary
The Business Development Consultant will be responsible for driving growth in the training and development services sector through new business generation , client relationship management, and strategic market engagement. The role demands a dynamic sales professional with proven success in generating revenue, developing long-term client partnerships, and contributing to organisational growth targets.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- New Business Development : Prospecting, cold calling, and securing new clients.
- Client Relationship Management : Build, maintain, and grow strong client partnerships to increase revenue without margin erosion.
- Revenue Growth : Meet and exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual business development targets.
- Tender / RFQ / RFP Participation : Assist in preparing and submitting bids, tenders, and proposals.
- Reporting : Submit weekly / monthly sales reports and maintain accurate CRM records.
- Client Visits : Conduct face-to-face and virtual meetings to identify client needs and present solutions.
- Debtor Query Support : Assist with collections where required.
- Market Insights : Conduct competitor analysis, market research, and provide pipeline forecasts.
Driving Business Direction
- Proactively identify opportunities to expand the organisations footprint in both private and public sector markets.
- Provide input into sales and marketing strategies to ensure sustained business growth.
- Leverage digital platforms and CRM systems for pipeline development.
People Management / Leadership
- Build strong relationships with peers to ensure efficiency, collaboration, and innovation.
- Share market insights and client intelligence with colleagues to enhance overall business performance.
Basic Requirements
- Passion for building long-term client and team relationships.
- Detail-orientated, target-driven, and resilient in achieving objectives.
- Professional presence with ability to engage credibly at senior corporate levels.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Willingness to travel locally (own vehicle required).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital prospecting platforms.
Educational and Experience Requirements
- Grade 12 (minimum); relevant tertiary qualification advantageous.
- At least 23 years experience in business development within training / learning & development or related professional services.
- Demonstrated sales track record with provable commission earnings.
- Experience in preparing and contributing to tenders / RFQs / RFPs.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to network effectively.
Industry & Compliance Knowledge (South Africa)
- Working knowledge of SAQA / SETA / QCTO accreditation and quality assurance pathways.
- Familiarity with SETA discretionary grants and the impact on client buying cycles.
- Understanding of B-BBEE procurement drivers and how clients evaluate suppliers.
- Experience engaging on public sector SCM processes and tender portals (where applicable).
Global / Corporate L&D Exposure (Advantageous)
- Experience selling corporate learning solutions internationally or to multinationals.
- Familiarity with LMS ecosystems, digital learning modalities and programme rollout logistics.
- Ability to articulate learning impact using business metrics.
Commercial Acumen & Pricing
- Familiarity with training industry pricing models (per learner, per session, customised programme packages).
- Ability to position and defend margins while structuring value-based proposals.
- Experience using proposal automation and pricing tools advantageous.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- 1015 new prospect meetings per month.
- Pipeline coverage : Maintain 34 × quarterly target in qualified pipeline.
- Sales cycle : Benchmarked by product type (e.g. open enrolment vs. customised programmes) with targeted reductions quarter-on-quarter.
- Average deal value & gross profit per deal : Tracked against approved thresholds to ensure no margin erosion.
- Growth of existing client business by agreed percentages; cross-sell / upsell targets on key accounts.
- CRM hygiene : 100% of opportunities logged; weekly forecast accuracy within ±10%.
Remuneration and Commission Structure
- Base Salary - dependent on experience.
- Commission structure paid quarterly and uncapped.